The Anatolian Adventure: Grand Mosque of Bursa

While I was in Bursa, I visited the city's main mosque. It was huge, and inside, there were plenty of amazing calligraphy.

This mosque was built in the 14th century, and was commissioned by the Ottoman sultan Bayezid I to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Nicopolis. I visited this mosque, and found a few interesting characteristics.

One interesting feature of this mosque is that the fountain for ablutions is actually inside. There is an interior marble fountain right inside the mosque, where worshippers can go and wash their body before praying. Most other mosques have this feature outside the building, but this one is different.

Another thing I found fascinating was the immense collection of Islamic calligraphy that can be found on its walls. There are 192 monumental wall inscriptions, consisting of 87 different compositions by 41 different Ottoman calligraphers. It almost looks like a calligraphy museum, and it gives a unique style to the interior of the mosque.

I spent some time examining this building. It was quite fascinating, and I recommend checking it out if you're in the area.